How long to wait for the 1st egg after seeing red comb/wattles?

[Ebz5003]

I was just wondering if anyone has noticed how long it takes, from seeing the comb and wattles redden, to the day of a pullet's 1st egg? Is it different for all pullets or is there a typical timeline. I have 4 pullets that have had red combs/ wattles for a week or two now, and still no eggs. Thanks.

 

[nuthatched]

When they're good and ready. It could be 3-6 weeks

 

[Auntiejessi3]

When they're good and ready. It could be 3-6 weeks

This is so true! I've had them start within the same week, and others stalk the next boxes for weeks before starting

 

[MoonMoon]

Some of my family’s hens had red combs and wattles for up to 8 weeks before laying while I have one laid while still had pink comb, so it could be varied, yeah. The pink comb layer has red comb now btw.

 

[azygous]

As a pullet nears point of lay, her pelvic bone "knobs" on each side of her vent will move wider apart. When you can fit two fingers between them, your first egg will come within a few days.

 

[Mrs. K]

Much longe than you think! I figure 4 weeks from bright red, kind of swollen. 2 weeks if you don't have a rooster and they squat for you. About the time you have given up hope that you are ever going to get an egg!

 

[aart]

As a pullet nears point of lay, her pelvic bone "knobs" on each side of her vent will move wider apart. When you can fit two fingers between them, your first egg will come within a few days.

Below is some instruction on how to check pelvic bones...
....but it's like squatting and still could be a week or more before eggs show.
IMO, the best and closest sign of imminent laying is pullets getting vocal and messing in the nests.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

 

[RcoM]

Thanks.

Below is some instruction on how to check pelvic bones...
....but it's like squatting and still could be a week or more before eggs show.
IMO, the best and closest sign of imminent laying is pullets getting vocal and messing in the nests.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/who-is-laying-and-who-is-not-butt-check.73309/

I have a pullet going really red. She mopes around near the nest box a lot! She seems "off her game". I hope she lays her first egg soon so we can both relax!